Wine Pairings That Surprise (and Work)

As a wine enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new and unexpected flavor combinations that can elevate my dining experiences. While the classic pairings of wine and food are certainly delightful, sometimes it's the more unconventional pairings that truly surprise and delight the palate.

At McLaren Vale Cellars, we pride ourselves on not only offering a vast selection of premium local wines, but also on providing our customers with the knowledge and inspiration to explore beyond the traditional pairings. In this blog post, we'll dive into some wine pairings that may seem unusual at first, but ultimately work in harmonious and delightful ways.

Sparkling Wine and Fried Chicken

One might initially think that the delicate and effervescent nature of sparkling wine would be overpowered by the bold flavors of fried chicken. However, this pairing is a true revelation. The crisp acidity and subtle sweetness of the sparkling wine act as the perfect foil to the rich, savory, and slightly salty fried chicken. The bubbles also help to cleanse the palate, making each bite of the chicken feel fresh and exciting.

When selecting a sparkling wine for this pairing, opt for a brut or extra-brut style, which will have a drier and more refreshing profile. A local McLaren Vale sparkling wine, such as the Chalk Hill Brut, would be an excellent choice, as its citrus and green apple notes complement the fried chicken beautifully.

Pinot Noir and Grilled Salmon

While Pinot Noir is often associated with lighter meat dishes, such as roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, it can also be an exceptional pairing for grilled salmon. The delicate, earthy, and slightly fruity character of Pinot Noir provides a harmonious counterpoint to the rich, oily texture of the salmon.

When pairing Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, look for a wine with a moderate level of acidity and tannins, which will help to cut through the fattiness of the fish. A Pinot Noir from the McLaren Vale region, such as the Wirra Wirra 'The Absconder' Pinot Noir, would be an excellent choice, as its bright red fruit flavors and subtle oak influence complement the salmon perfectly.

Riesling and Spicy Thai Cuisine

The conventional wisdom might suggest that a bold, spicy Thai dish would overwhelm a delicate white wine like Riesling. However, the truth is that the off-dry, fruit-forward, and high-acid profile of Riesling can be an exceptional pairing for the complex flavors of Thai cuisine.

The sweetness of the Riesling helps to balance the heat of the spices, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the coconut milk and other creamy elements. Look for a Riesling with a touch of residual sugar, such as the Henschke 'Julius' Riesling from the Eden Valley, which will provide the perfect counterpoint to the bold flavors of Thai dishes like red curry or pad thai.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Dark Chocolate

While the idea of pairing a bold, tannic red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of dark chocolate may seem counterintuitive, the results can be truly sublime. The tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon help to cut through the creaminess of the chocolate, while the fruit and oak flavors of the wine complement the deep, complex notes of the cocoa.

When selecting a Cabernet Sauvignon for this pairing, look for a wine with a well-integrated structure and a touch of sweetness, such as the Penfolds 'Bin 407' Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa Valley. The dark fruit and spice notes of this wine will elevate the flavors of a high-quality dark chocolate, creating a truly indulgent experience.

Conclusion

At McLaren Vale Cellars, we believe that the joy of wine lies in its ability to surprise and delight the senses. By exploring unconventional wine pairings, you can unlock a whole new world of culinary experiences, where the interplay of flavors and textures can transport you to unexpected and delightful places.

So, the next time you're planning a meal, don't be afraid to step outside the traditional pairing boundaries and experiment with some of the unexpected combinations we've highlighted. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy the wines of the McLaren Vale region and beyond.

Happy tasting!